SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 4, 2021) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) transits the South China Sea, Nov. 4, 2021. Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyler R. Fraser)